Stage 11: Lorca - Observatorio Astronómico de Calar Alto, 187.5km
This stage counts two notorious cat-1 peaks at the back end – the bootlace-like Velefique at 1,820m high and the Calar Alto at 2,160m. The Velefique/Calar Alto double has delivered compelling if somewhat PED-fuelled performances. In 2004 Roberto Heras beat Santiago Pérez and Francisco Mancebo here. Expect a battle in the GC.
TOPICS
-
Rider disqualified for wearing video-recording glasses during a race, complains of double standards with Tour de France filming
Another strange disqualification as Willie Smit thrown off the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai for wearing smart shades during stage 1 -
Fuelling the Tour de France: We compare the calorie burn to a Wimbledon final, a World Cup game, and a Big Mac
You’d soon get bored if you tried to fuel the Tour on burgers alone -
Tour de France bikes: A complete equipment guide for the 2026 race
A rundown of the bikes and kit used by the 23 teams at the 2026 Tour de France -
Don't be surprised by Pogačar's early dominance, history shows it's how every serial Tour de France winner succeeds - Philippa York analysis
Cyclingnews' expert columnist explains why Pogačar's strategy is tried-and-tested, and what Visma-Lease a Bike are lacking in their bid to turn the yellow jersey tussle around
